[E3][PP-F21] <<Nature's Treasure>> A Long Expected Party

[Shield 0]

Quest

Spoiler

Floor 1, 11, or 21
<<Nature's Treasure>>
Recommended Level: Any | Party Limit: None
Repeatable: Yes
Credit: @Itzal

Rewards:

• The Materials Gathered

Summary:

Marking the beginning of each tier (Floors 1, 11, 21, etc.), these levels of Aincrad in particular each seem to have various locations among the floors that are bursting at the seams with crafting materials. They are easier to find than other hunting grounds on comparable floors, with short respawn rates to make them the best locations to hunt for materials.

If the floor is vegetated, players can find a <<Garden>>. If there are a lot of buildings on the floor, players can find a <<Courtyard>>. If the floor is underground, players can find a <<Cavern>>. Many NPCs give away these farming locations, telling players about this amazing opportunity of extra materials, whether it be from plentiful monster drops or from the safer areas outside of town that make for easy, peaceful fishing and gathering.

Searching:  LD rolls of 11-14 give 1 material.  LD rolls of 15+ give 2 materials.  Gatherer skill is added to this roll as well.

Fishing:  Monsters and bosses never spawn.  Fishing receives no bonus materials.  CD 12s require a LD of 15+ (modifiers allowed) to fish up a treasure chest.  If 1-14, players receive 4 materials.

Treasure Chests:  LD of 1-3 does not result in a mimic, but drops (Floor * 25) col and one material.

Looting Mobs: Mobs that satisfy the loot minimum always drop (HP * 4) col and 1 material as default drops.

Requirements:

• At least one [1] Page (20 or more posts)
• Mobs MUST meet or exceed the loot minimum parameter.

Event

Spoiler

Event will run until April 22, 2020

The Easter Bunny has scattered Chocolate Eggs all around Aincrad. Eg, Egg, n Eggy - three children of dubious morals and ravenous sweet-tooths (teeth? teeths?) - need your help to find as many Chocolate Eggs as possible! Chocolate Eggs may be found by hunting mobs, gathering materials, or even fishing! Bring enough to Eg, Egg, and Eggy in exchange for amazing prizes!

Chocolate Eggs may be found via looting slain mobs on a LD9+
CD1-3: 2 Eggs
CD4-6: 3 Eggs
CD7-9: 5 Eggs
CD10-12: 6 Eggs
Chocolate Eggs may be found via gathering on a LD6+
CD1-3: 1 Egg
CD4-6: 2 Eggs
CD7-9: 3 Eggs
CD11-12: 4 Eggs
If gathering with Full Energy:
CD1-3: 2 Eggs
CD4-6: 3 Eggs
CD7-9: 5 Eggs
CD10-12: 6 Eggs
Chocolate Eggs may be found via fishing on a CD3+
LD1-5: 2 Eggs
LD6-10: 4 Eggs
LD11-15: 6 Eggs
LD16-20: 8 Eggs
Chocolate Eggs are a bonus drop and will be obtained in addition to any other items.

Rewards
 

Tier x Material (Limit 100)	1 Egg
Specified Unidentified Equipment	5 Eggs
Reroll Ticket - Reidentify a single slot on a single piece of gear at a merchant. (Limit 3)	25 Eggs
Easter Bunny's Favor - Reidentify a single slot on a piece of gear at a Merchant using only their Unique Enhancement table. (Limit 1)	50 Eggs
Bunny Stamp - Increase the Rarity of a single item up to Demonic, selecting a normal Enhancement in the process (Limit 1)	150 Eggs
Special Dungeon Map	100 Eggs

Note: Players may only participate in the event with a single character. Alts are banned from this event. If caught using an alt, you forfeit all rewards from the event.

 

Special Dungeon

Purchasing the Special Dungeon Map unlocks the Special Dungeon <<Easter Bunny’s Chocolate Factory>>. Inside the Chocolate Factory, you will be pitted up against enemies of the same tier as the one who initially used the map. So, a Tier 3 Player spawning the dungeon would create a Tier 3 version of the dungeon. The Special Dungeon must be undertaken with at least one other player, with a maximum number of players being 4. Players may pool their eggs together to purchase a Special Dungeon Map, but in all other cases Eggs are bound to the player.

Within the Special Dungeon, players will fight Unique Mobs and roll on a Unique Drop Table. Note: Players may only enter the special dungeon once.

Encounter 1: The Caramel Warren
Frosted Bunny: 150/400/650 HP | 50/125/250 DMG | 2 ACC | 2 EVA | 25/35/50 MIT
While the Frosted Bunny is alive, all of the other members of the Warren heal for 10% of their maximum health every rotation.
Toffee Bunny: 275/600/1000 HP | 25/75/150 DMG | 2 ACC | 0 EVA | 35/80/125 MIT
While the Toffee Bunny is alive, no other member of the Warren can be attacked, including via AoE.
Red-Hot Bunny: 150/400/650 HP | 75/150/400 DMG | 2 ACC | 2 EVA | 25/35/50 MIT
The Red-Hot Bunny applies a Burn debuff on a BD7+, inflicting 20/50/60 Unmitigatable DMG every round to the target.
Dark Chocolate Bunny: 150/400/650 HP | 75/150/400 DMG | 2 ACC | 2 EVA | 0 MIT | Stealth Rating: 13+
Every 2 Turns, the Dark Chocolate Bunny enters stealth. Attacks from stealth strike all members of the party.

Rewards
2 SP
Each member of the party rolls for Loot
LD1-8: Frosted Necklace: Tier x Perfect Trinket - Life Mending, Recovery, Recovery
LD9-15: Toffee Armor: Tier x Perfect Heavy Armor - Bloodclot, Thorns, Thorns
LD16-19: Red Hot Weapon: Tier x Perfect Weapon - Burn, Burn, Bleed
LD20: Dark Chocolate Rabbit’s Foot - Change one weapon/armor type to a different one of your choosing

Encounter 2: The Way-Too-Big Peep
The Giant Peep: 700/1000/2000 HP | 10/25/30 DMG | 3 ACC | 0 EVA | 50/100/150 MIT
Ability: Every three turns, the Peep splits into smaller Peeps. Players then have the opportunity to play Chubby Bunny with the peeps by rolling a CD. The CD corresponds to the number of Peeps one can shove down their gullet and still speak. After the Chubby Bunny phase, the Giant Peep reforms and players gain bonuses equal to the amount of Peeps they ingested.
1-3 Peeps - Phase
4-6 Peeps - Apply Burn on a BD8
7-9 Peeps - Holy Proc on the player’s next Critical.
10-12 Peeps - Next successful attack procs double Fallen.

Rewards
3 SP
20000 Col
30 Tiered Materials
<<Peep's Tears (it's basically sugar water)>>: Grants a +1 CD Bonus for Familiar Training
Each member of the party rolls for Loot
LD1-8 Double Col and Material Rewards
LD9-17 The Big Peep - Demonic Consumable: Overhealth, Overhealth, Overhealth, Overhealth
LD18-19 The Bigger Peep - An item that turns your familiar into a tiny version of the Giant Peep
LD20 The Biggest Peep - Tier x Perfect Trinket: Holy Blessing, Recovery, Recovery

Encounter 3: The Easter Bunny’s Second Cousin (twice removed)
Sebastian 500/1000/2000 HP | 75/200/350 DMG | 2 ACC | 2 EVA | 25/50/75 MIT 
Ability: D-D-Drop the Egg - Every three turns, Sebastian drops a massive egg onto the battlefield (100/250/500 HP | 50/100/150 MIT). If not successfully destroyed, the entire party suffers 75/150/250 Unmitigatable damage and become struck by the funk, causing them to lose their next turn to Sebastian’s sick beats.

Rewards
5 SP
LD1-6:  Bass Cannon - Unidentified Demonic Weapon
LD7-12: Dope Shades - Unidentified Demonic Trinket
LD13-19: Sick Jacket - Unidentified Demonic Shield/Armor
LD20: The Ultimate Chocolate Egg - Crack this bad boy open for an amazing surprise. That surprise is a Quad Fall- I mean literally all of the above.

Loot Tables

Spoiler

Fishing

• CD 1: Fished up a boss monster!
• CD 2-3: Fished up a monster with loot minimum stats
• CD 4: Nothing seems to be biting...
• CD 5-6: 1 Material fished up!
• CD 7-8: 2 Materials fished up!
• CD 9-10: 3 Materials fished up!
• CD 11: 4 Materials fished up!
• CD 12: Treasure Chest fished up!

Chest

• [1-3] = A <<Mimic>> 
• [4-7] = 1,050 Col, 2 T3 materials, 2 uncommon consumables
• [8-11] = 1,575 Col, 3 T3 materials, 2 rare consumables
• [12-15] = 2,100 Col, 5 T3 materials, rare weapon, 2 rare consumables
• [16-20] = 3,150 Col, 8 T3 materials, perfect armor/shield, 2 rare consumables
• [21-23] = 4,200 Col, 10 T3 materials, 2 perfect weapon, perfect consumable
• [24-25] = 5,250 Col, 12 T3 materials, perfect weapon, perfect armor/shield, 2 perfect consumables

Shield

Spoiler

» Shield, The Immovable Object

• Modified HP:
• Modified EN:
• Modified MIT:
• Modified ACC:
• Modified DMG:
• Modified EVA:
• Battle Heal:
• Search:
• Temp Buff:
• Temp Buff:
• Temp Buff:

» Base Stats

• Base HP: 1710
• Base EN: 162
• Base MIT: 169
• Base ACC: 0
• Base DMG: 2
• Base EVA: -1
• Battle Heal: 85 HP
• Search: +5

» Items Equipped:

• Seeking Aura - +3 Search
• Raw Passion - +3 Prosperity
• Hammerspace Backpack (HB) +1 BR item (allows stacks up to 7)

» Battle-Ready Inventory:

• Golden  Keys ^x7 | Unique Item | +2 Search on Chests
• Golden  Keys ^x3 | Unique Item | +2 Search on Chests
• Basic Teleportation Crystal ^x4 | Good Item | Teleports player to the Town of Beginnings
• Safeguard Potion ^x3 | Perfect Tier 1 | Safeguard
   

» Skills:

• Searching | 5 Ranks | +5 Bonus to LD, +0 to Stealth Detect
• Battle Healing | 5 Ranks | While in combat, recover 1% per rank (85HP) at the beginning of your turn
• First Aid | 5 Ranks | +4% HP per rank (+20% HP) on Post Action
• Picking | Purchased | +3 LD when opening chests
• Heavy Armor | 5 Rank | +35 Mitigation
• Energize | Purchased |  Restore 8 EN to target
• Block | 5 Ranks | +25 Mitigation
• Howl | Purchased | +2 Hate against each opponent (up to 4)
• Fighting Spirit | Purchased | +1 Hate when using Howl or Focused Howl
• Parry | Purchased | 3 Turn Cooldown | 5 Energy | Reduces incoming damage by 50%
• Fishing | Purchased | Fish for equipment and gain prestige among old men

» Extra Skills:

• Concentration | No Ranks | Gain +1 BD for a single attack | 5 Turn Cooldown
• Familiar Mastery: Healer |  3 Ranks | +135 HP (Does not require post action)
• Martial Arts | 1 Rank | +1 Base Damage per slot with Unarmed Weapons
• Meditation | Purchased | Recover an additional 15 EN on Post Action | 3 Turn Cooldown
• Survival | Purchased |  Increases out of combat health regen to (15xTier) 45 per post

» Mods:

• Athletics: +1 DMG +30 HP
• Focused Howl: +4 Hate against single target on Post Action
• Dismantling: +2 LD when opening chests
• Stone Wall: +Gain 10 MIT and 45 HP from heavy armor. Reduces DOT by 25%. -1 to Evasion.
• Justified Riposte: A successful Parry also stuns the target for 1 turn. | 3 Turn Cool Down
• Vengeful Riposte: A successful Parry returns 50% of DMG back to your opponent - mitigatable. | 3 Turn Cool Down

Roll

Spoiler

ID# 139112 results: Craft: 1 [No Fish ] Loot: 20

Shield had been lurking in dark caverns nonstop since the start of the event. Still, this was different from his other underground fishing trips. It had been a long time since The Unstoppable Force and The Immovable Object had ventured out anywhere together other than to go find one another. Even now, there was no guarantee that his old companion would answer the call. Shield sat with his fishing rod in one hand and his other hovering over a dialogue box.

Quote

Message To: Beat

Hey,

It's been a while. Still, I know you're not one to pass up on good opportunities to improve your gear, and if you'll look over the Easter event, you might find some things that will make that Spear of Destiny even more potent. We both know you can't pass up on that. Hope to see you out here. You can follow the attached coordinates. Just don't give away my best fishing spot.

-Shield

Shield's finger hung over the option to send. Still, the message seemed so trite and hollow. With a deep breath, he typed out a few more rushed words and hit send.

Quote

PS: Please come. It would be good to see you again.

That was that. He dismissed the message from his mind. Either Beat would be there or he wouldn't. In the mean time, he reeled in his line only to find an empty hook. He hoped this was not an omen of Beat's answer to the message. Putting a fresh piece of gummy candy on the end of the line, he cast out once again into the depths of the underground lake.

Edited April 14, 2020 by Shield

[Beat 0]

Beat

Spoiler

Beat, The Unstoppable Force

Current Stats: 

Hit Points	1125/1125
Energy Points	108/108
Damage	18
Mitigation	18
Evasion	0
Accuracy	1
Loot Die	6
Prosperity	0
Additional Buffs	None

 

Equipment: 

Watchful Sentry

Accessory

+3 LD

Vanity Heavy Armor

 

Battle Ready Inventory:

Items	Type	Tier	Quality	Quantity	Enhancement
Basic Teleportation Crystal	Crystal	1	Uncommon	4
Healing Crystal	Potion	2	Rare	3	HP Recovery
Swords Dance Potion	Potion	2	Perfect	2	Damage
Safe Guard Potion	Potion	1	Perfect	5	Safeguard
Power Bar [Vitality]	Snack	2	Rare	3	Vitality
Shi's Talon	2H Spear	2	Perfect	1	Absolute Accuracy, Paralyze, Freeze
Bulwark	H. Armor	3	Perfect	1	Mitigation

 

Skills and Housing

Skills	Rank
Heavy Armor	3/5
Search and Detect	2/5
Charge	5/5
2H Spears	5/5
Quick Change
Extended Mod Limit	1/3
Fishing
Mods
Ferocity [2H Spears]
Finesse [2H Spears]	3/3
Precision [2H Spears]
Stamina [2H Spears]
Athletics (Heavy Armor)
Bull Rush (Charge)
Extra Skills
Concentration [Extra Skill]
Survival [Extra Skill]
Marital Arts [Extra Skill]
Familiar Skills
Fighter	3/3

 

Housing: 

Buff	Effect	Uses
Well Rested	-1 EN cost	3/3
Squeaky Clean	-25% DOT dmg / turn	1/1
Hard Working	+2 Crafting Exp & +1 Attempt
Filling	+1 T1 slot to 1 food Item	1/1
Relaxed	HP regen now 45/turn OOC
Item Stash	+1 Battle Ready Slot
Multipurpose	+2 on Certain Rolls/10 Posts
Delicious	Feast from 3 same food
Skylight (Searching)	+1 to LD
Advanced Training	+2 SP for one thread/month

 

Roll

Spoiler

Fishing Roll:  ID#139416: CD: 8 LD: 13 + 6 = 19

Result: 2x T3 Materials and 8 Eggs

Beat had been fighting monsters for weeks, fine tuning his reflexes and sharpening his combat arts. Sword Art Online was still a game, and as such, there were numerical limits as to what you could do without actually achieving a landmark in the game. Still, he had noticed that his response time and focus in the field was better and he could swear that that his execution of sword arts had become faster. Wiping sweat from his brow, Beat sat down on the grassy hill where he had been training and began to stare across the plains he could see when his solitude was interrupted by a now unfamiliar ping. His menu came up and he touched the notification indicating that he had received a new message. A smile crept across his face as he easily recognized the sender and he tossed the menu away as he sprung to his feet. 

Fishing isn't my idea of a good time, but I imagine he and I have plenty to talk about. 

He quickly made his way to the nearest settlement and quickly made his way to the place Shield had described. It didn't take long before the familiar sight of his large partner came into view. Beat summoned his fishing rod for the first time, whipped it out to his side and flung his line a long distance, before it landed fairly close to Shield's own bobber. Within moments, his bobber sank and he ripped it out of the water as two fish and a small bundle of tangle fishing line with eggs in the middle came flying out with his hook. He laughed at the ridiculous luck and stowed the items before recasting, this time, he was standing right next to his surly partner.

"Not too bad for my first cast eh?" Beat said with a weak grin as he looked down at a face he had not seen for quite some time.

Edited April 14, 2020 by Beat

[Shield 0]

Quote

ID# 139423 results: Craft: 12 [4 Materials found] Loot: 3+8=11 [6 Eggs found]

Total Loot:

Eggs: 6
Materials: 4

Shield stood and immediately seized Beat's hand. His own mitt practically swallowed it, and he squeezed it with enough fervor that it was probably a good thing that pain did not exist in SAO. "I'm glad you came," he said, releasing his comrade's hand to allow him to return to fishing.

Not a moment too soon, as his own line practically yanked him into the water. He had to sit himself down on the ground and dig in his heels to keep from being drug any further. His catch fought violently, cutting a swath back and forth across the water as the resolute fisherman on the other end refused to let it flee any further from shore. Using the power of his shoulders, Shield hauled back on his line, then let his pole move forward again, quickly reeling up the slack it created before the fish could take advantage of it. The contest of strength was a slow war of attrition, but Shield finally managed to haul the fish, which was half his body length and made of translucent gummy candy, out onto the shore. Inside of it, Shield could see a moderate clutch of chocolate eggs, only visible because the candy itself was translucent. The fish seized and then fell still, changing from a mob to an item drop. He collected the contents.

"That... is easily the biggest catch I've seen in a while." He turned his gaze back to Beat. "You're looking well. How have you been?" His form was stiff - stiffer than usual at least. It was far worse than with Baldur, which was odd considering he had seen Beat far more recently. He was unsure how to quantify it, but he was sure there would be time to parse that out later.

Edited April 3, 2020 by Shield

[Beat 0]

Roll

Spoiler

Fishing Roll: ID#139432: CD 12 LD: 20 + 6 = 26

Result: Treasure Chest and 8 eggs 

Totals: 

2 T3 Mats

Egg total: 16

 

Beat did his best to return Shield's extra firm handshake as he was almost pulled forward by the strength of Shield's grip. He giggled at  his stoic friend's show of emotion that was such a rarity most of time. He crossed his arms as he watched on of the lake's inhabitants give Shield quite a fight and felt a small tinge of pride as his friend managed  to best the creature who ended up being being no more than a handful of materials. 

"Nicely done! That's quite a catch." He said as his line began to tighten. He smiled as he began to pull his line, "I've been alright. Seen honing my combat performance. This game's numbers don't account for everything. It's close, but I think I've found a few things that might give me an edge." Beat's gaze shifted through Shield for a moment as his mind tried to focus on some of the things he had figured out before he quickly adjusted his attention, "How about you? I figured you would be alright, but I'm glad to see I wasn't wrong."

Beat's attention shifted as his line seemed to have absolutely no give, almost as if the line was stuck on something. "Oh come on, two casts and I snag my line on something." He said with a growl as he turned and widened his stance, lowering himself into a practically full horse stance. "Guess...I"ll just...have to break it!" He said, torquing his body, giving his line a mighty pull, finally freeing his line with a loud sploosh and falling backwards himself. He hit the ground flat on his back as he looked up and quickly tucked his arms and legs in defense as he saw what appeared to be chest coming down on him from up high. With a loud thud, the chest missed his head by inches, kicking up a small cloud of dirt and pebbles as a series of colorful eggs landed around him. 

"That...was almost bad..." He muttered as he got to his feet and began brushing himself off before looking at Shield, "But it might be worth it! You want to open or should I?" Beat began picking up the eggs that had fallen and somehow not broken as he awaited Shield's reply.  

Edited April 14, 2020 by Beat

[Shield 0]

Spoiler

ID# 139436 results: Loot: 1+7=8

• [1-3] = A <<Mimic>> 
• [4-7] = 1,050 Col, 2 T3 materials, 2 uncommon consumables
• [8-11] = 1,575 Col, 3 T3 materials, 2 rare consumables
• [12-15] = 2,100 Col, 5 T3 materials, rare weapon, 2 rare consumables
• [16-20] = 3,150 Col, 8 T3 materials, perfect armor/shield, 2 rare consumables
• [21-23] = 4,200 Col, 10 T3 materials, 2 perfect weapon, perfect consumable
• [24-25] = 5,250 Col, 12 T3 materials, perfect weapon, perfect armor/shield, 2 perfect consumables

Total Loot:

Eggs: 6
Materials: 7
Col: 1,575
Rare Consumables: [139436a] [139436b]

Shield watched as the chest nearly took the head off of his former questing buddy. He was sure that it couldn't ever actually do enough damage to do so truly, but it was still quite the sight. He knelt down beside the chest, reaching his gauntlet clad hand behind him and pulling from his belt a ring of golden keys. "I've been... steady," he answered, picking his adjective carefully. "Perhaps in my own head too much. The last boss raid meeting weighs heavily on me still." He extended one of the keys, holding it up to the lock. It vanished, and the lid of the chest popped open a few images, prompting a display window with the full contents of the container. Shield frowned. "You know, I don't think the people who named these items really know what the word 'rare' means." He grumbled to himself as he collected the items to later be divided up. The chest, now empty, was emptied of its durability, and it burst like a slain mob.

"I actually just had an impromptu fishing trip recently with Baldur, which was very nice," he went on, straightening back up and retrieving his fishing rod. "I also ended up meeting a few new players - including the infamous Mari."

Edited April 14, 2020 by Shield

[Beat 0]

Spoiler

Fishing Roll: ID#139437: CD: 11 LD: 12+6 = 18

Result: 4 T3 Materials, 8 Eggs

Total Mats: 6

Total Eggs: 24

The way Shield had said 'steady' left an impression that Beat could certainly relate to. It was likely something they would hash out at some point, but beat felt like positivity was what the two of them needed at this point. As he recast his line, Beat's face failed to stay positive as his partner mentioned the frontlines meeting he had tried to forget. It had been everything Beat hated about people and was one of the motivating factors for the two of them leaving the frontlines. 

I wouldn't be surprised if we were the only ones...

"Mine too. I've been trying to forget it. Life off of the front lines hasn't been bad. There is a lot of good to be done that doesn't require us to be fighting floor bosses. I'm not too worried about what most of the players think."

Beat coughed as he refocused on enjoying the reunion with his favorite player and laughed as Baldur's face came rushing back to the front of his mind. The player had always provided a good amount of competition for the Top dps spot on the frontline. Beat was sure he had fallen behind by this point. "How is he? I assume he hasn't left the front lines? oh!" Beat smiled as he pulled another large catch and clutch of eggs from the water, "Dude, you weren't kidding. This spot is great!"

Beat finished stowing the materials and eggs as he looked at Shield again, "Who is this Mari? How is she infamous?" A small spark of jealousy began to spark to life as his old enjoyment of being the unstoppable force began to burn again.

 

Edited April 14, 2020 by Beat

[Shield 0]

Spoiler

ID# 139438 results: Craft: 2 [Nothing]

Total Loot:

Eggs: 6
Materials: 7
Col: 1,800
Rare Consumables: [139436a] [139436b]

Shield's countenance did not brighten any at the question regarding Baldur. "I would have thought the same," he said, reeling in a once again empty line. "Turns out we were both wrong. Around the same time we disappeared, he did as well." He could appreciate the intent to stay positive, but the grim state of the front lines had been impressed upon him, and he felt it would be best to rip that bandaid off now. "It gets worse, too. Ruby is dead. That leaves Zandra as the only full healer on the front lines, and Hestia is now the only full tank, with no bright prospects of hopefuls to help either of them in their duties. There are just a lot of partial tanks and off healers, and none of the latter that don't have other jobs at the front." He shook his head, casting once again into the depths. "It sounds like the last boss fight was a real mess as well."

Though his features remained impassive, it was clear from his tone how Shield felt about the matter. Things were bad, and their absence had only exacerbated things. "As far as your other question," Shield continued, straightening up a little as he sat on his favorite broken stalagmite, "Mari... is the name that appears more than any other on the Monument of Life."

Edited April 3, 2020 by Shield

[Beat 0]

Spoiler

Fishing Roll: ID#139440: CD 10 LD 20 + 6 = 26

Results: 3 T3 Materials and 8 Eggs

Mat total: 9

Egg total: 32

Beat cast his line and again and closed his eyes as Shield decided to fill him in. Positivity was nice, but the bad news wasn't going away and they would have to deal with it at some point no matter what. Shield had gotten more time to prepare for this conversation, so it made sense that he was not as opposed to it as beat was, but it did not make it any more pleasant to discuss. 

"Well, it makes me feel a little less alone knowing that we weren't the only ones." He said with as much optimism as he could muster as he reopened his eyes and reeled in another large fish and eight more eggs to add to his collection. He remained silent as he let Shield finish delivering the bad news. He stayed that way for a few moments before taking a deep breath and recasting his line. Ruby's death did not affect him much, as he had barely known her, but her role on the frontlines was clearly a void in need of filling and one he could not fill. the short supply of players in critical roles was certainly a problem and not an easy one to fill. 

"Ruby's death is unfortunate, but I do recall her as being somewhat reckless. I wondered how long it would take before she paid for that." he said grimly. "The lack of power on the frontlines is an issue, but Shield, we are not responsible for the lives lost due to that shortage. We weren't doing nothing while we stepped away." He rolled his eyes momentarily as the last boss meeting and fight he had been in rushed back to his mind, "There is a good reason for the shortage and loss of lives that goes beyond finding enough players."

Beat's gaze shifted quickly to Shield as his eyes opened wide at the news about Mari, his fishing rod creaking with the increase in Beat's grip pressure, "She's...an orange then?" Beat's voice trickled with a lust for retribution that Shield would know was a part of the Beat he knew well.

Edited April 14, 2020 by Beat

[Shield 0]

Spoiler

ID# 139441 results: Craft: 1 [-__-]

Total Loot:

Eggs: 6
Materials: 7
Col: 1,800
Rare Consumables: [139436a] [139436b]

"Cool your jets, Beat," Shield said, recognizing that reaction immediately. "Yes, she does have an orange cursor, but I listened to her tale. I don't know how much truth there is behind it, but although tempestuous, I do not believe her to be murderous. Many of the deaths that have her name beside them were reportedly self defense killings. And the one that gained her an orange cursor was from a player who pushed Mari's own daughter into the line of fire." There was a tense sternness behind his words, as if something about them was difficult to get out, but he managed to get through them none the less.

"She is either a masterful liar or a victim of overwhelming circumstance, and I believe she is the latter," he continued, realizing that he had neglected his tackle. He reeled in his line and cast again to no avail. "What's more, she has the support of both Baldur and Macradon. I don't know Macradon incredibly well, but I trust Baldur's judgment above all others, perhaps even more than my own. His experience is incalculably valuable to all of us."

Edited April 4, 2020 by Shield

[Beat 0]

Spoiler

Fishing Roll: ID# 139442: CD 4 LD 5+6 = 11

Results: 0 T3 Materials and 6 Eggs

Mats: 9

Eggs: 38

Beat couldn't believe his ears as a tug on his fishing line caused him to reflexively pull this ling with such force that the fish and six eggs came flying out of the water and several feet away from him. "I am having a real hard time cooling my jets when there is someone with a trail of blood behind them and a sob story for each one!" He said, louder than intended, his voice echoing throughout the cavern. He walked in a huff to the mats and collected them, his eyes barely shifting from Shield. Baldur's impeccable judgement coming to such a conclusion about this player almost made the story harder to believe, but it was certainly keeping Beat from leaving and beginning his hunt for Mari. 

"How many time is her name on that wall..." He began incredulously before narrowing his eyes and his voice growing calmer and more stern, "...exactly?" Beat held up a finger as he took a deep breath, walked back over to where he had been fishing and sat down, determined to not lose his cool just yet. He cast his line, his gaze remaining fixed on Shield, now clearly ready to hear the explanation "And what is the story for all of them?"

Edited April 14, 2020 by Beat

[Shield 0]

Spoiler

ID# 139463 results: Craft: 10 [3 Materials found] Loot: 5+8=13 [6 Eggs found]

Total Loot:

Eggs: 12
Materials: 10
Col: 1,800
Rare Consumables: [139436a] [139436b]

Shield held his ground and did not blink, watching Beat storm himself out. He let the silence hang in the air for a full minute, even allowing himself to fish up his first decent catch in a while before setting his pole aside and laying it down. He strode over in front of Beat, blocking his view of the lake. "Do you wish answers to your questions, or do you wish to be angry. I will allow you either, but if what you want is to pretend you want one and act on the will of the other, we're not going to get anywhere." He squatted down so that he was face to face with his old comrade. "It's been a while since we've seen each other. I would prefer this not to be the direction this conversation goes."

He straightened back up and retrieved his pole, sitting himself back on the broken stalagmite and settling himself in to fish once again. It was true that he and Beat had not always seen eye to eye, but they were more similar in their background than anyone Shield had yet met anywhere else in SAO. He had no intention of allowing that relationship to sour after all this time.

Edited April 4, 2020 by Shield

[Beat 0]

Spoiler

Fishing Roll: ID# 139465: CD 4  LD 9 +6 = 15

results: 0 mats and 6 eggs

Mats: 9

Eggs: 44

Beat waited through the silence Shield invoked patiently, breathing deeply through his nose as the heat from his initial outburst began to wane somewhat. He was determined to believe that his friend and Baldur had good reasoning behind their trust they had placed in an individual that had murdered a so far unknown number of people. The details were important and he wanted them. As he felt another tug on his line, he reeled it in with far more calm than before and collected the contents before recasting as he spoke with a hint of impatience in his voice. 

"I meant what I said Shield. I want to know how many people she has killed and I want to hear the good reasoning behind all of them." He allowed a small smile to appear on his face as his anger continued to settle down to a simmer, "You know how I feel about player killers, but I would never hunt one down without knowing the details. I would rather the story from you. If she is justified in her actions, why would you think I would still go after her?"

Edited April 14, 2020 by Beat

[Shield 0]

Spoiler

ID# 139466 results: Craft: 8 [3 Materials found] Loot: 9+8=17 [8 Eggs found]

Total Loot:

Eggs: 20
Materials: 13
Col: 1,800
Rare Consumables: [139436a] [139436b]

"I believe everyone makes mistakes based on the things they feel most passionately," Shield answered, which was not quite an answer, at least not yet. " And I believe you could do the same, not properly looking at the evidence if the passion of the moment moved you enough. Mari has eight deaths to her name. One died to save three other players who were being tortured at his hands - a psychopath who believed himself to be a demon."  He allowed a moment for this to settle in before moving on to the next. "One was a man being hunted, who asked her for death at a point in her life where she too wished for death - in her eyes, it was mercy to a man who would not live much longer. The next two were players seeking her out, pursuing her relentlessly. She fled a number of floors, not wishing to engage, but eventually had to defend herself. The next froze her in place and tortured her."

Shield took a breath, mulling over how to phrase the next. "Another one I was unsure of exactly what she meant... Someone was provoking combat, and from the sounds of things a lot of it, and many lost their lives. She stepped in to intervene, but even though she believed it to be just, she still feels guilt over it because she could not find a more peaceful solution."

At this point, Shield's line grew tight, and he had to pause to reel in the next fish. It was not impossibly large, but it put up a fight. This was fine, because Shield needed to gather himself for a moment. Once the fish had been landed and secured in his inventory, Shield returned to his seat, still facing out and away over the water. "And this next part is why I believe that people make their mistakes because of the things they feel passionately about. A man... was torturing her daughter. And in her rage, she charged. He pushed her daughter in the way of the strike. This was the first death, and the only one of two that was an innocent. Between the grief of her loss and the pressure from being pursued for sport and witnessing and experiencing torture... but most of all being a parent who has lost everything that she held dear, she lost her mind and killed a friend." Shield's voice became tight and he faltered. He took a breath and finally managed to croak out, "and if I had somehow been responsible for the deaths of the two little girls that I left behind in the real world, then I would lose my mind too."

He couldn't look at Beat. He had never made mention of his daughters, though the younger player had often commented on Shield being a fatherly figure. This was personal. Only under very specific circumstances had he told anyone about them, and it was never an admission he took lightly. "Beat... for a parent to outlive their child is to see their worst fears realized. Although the last is a death that was not justified and was not warranted... I cannot say with certainty that I would have done differently. She became a hermit afterwards, stricken with grief for the deaths she had caused. And I can tell you the pain I saw behind her eyes was the same pain I feel thinking about how I may someday get out of here and find out something had happened to my girls...." He fell silent, turning away and pressing his palm into his eye, willing it to stop burning from the tears he was forcing back.

Edited April 4, 2020 by Shield

[Beat 0]

Spoiler

Fishing Roll: ID# 139474: CD 9 LD 6+6 = 12

Result: 3 mats, 6 eggs

Mats: 12

Eggs: 50

Beat listened intently, honoring his words. Mari's story was a sad one, and plausible as well. Part of Beat still felt like she was responsible for those lives, but he could not deny that everyone was capable of mistakes, especially ones driven by passion. As much as Beat would like to think the value he placed on human life would supersede emotion he could possibly feel, he knew that history and better wisdom said otherwise. Beat decided he could trust the judgement of the two wisest players he knew, but he needed to meet this player in person, if nothing else, to put a face to the story. 

I need to meet her myself. I need to know who we're talking about.

Beat's line gave a tug and he reeled in his catch as he listened to Shield's final words and watched intently as his friend fought back tears that Beat could not fully comprehend. Beat had suspected Shield was likely a father in the real world, but he had never had confirmation until now. Beat recast his line and set his pole on the ground before walking over to Shield and placing a firm hand on the man's shoulder. 

"I cannot imagine what this feeling is like, but you will see them again, I promise." He said softly, deciding that Mari's tale could wait a few moments at the very least. He would give Shield all the time he needed before discussing any matter further. 

Edited April 14, 2020 by Beat

[Shield 0]

Spoiler

ID# 139475 results: Craft: 4 [0 Materials found] Loot: 11+8=19 [8 Eggs found]

Total Loot:

Eggs: 20
Materials: 13
Col: 1,800
Rare Consumables: [139436a] [139436b]

Shield nodded. He coughed and sniffed quickly, minimizing the display as much as he could. He didn't like this - feeling vulnerable. He hadn't liked it when Calypso had been privy to his memories in that damnable quest that did not reveal itself as a quest until you were already locked inside of it. He did not like drunkenly spilling his guts to Piera when he had simply had too much, both of the game and the potion she had offered him to get  him so trashed in the first place - though granted he had accepted the latter. It was foolish to be so ashamed of his weakness, but other players were meant to rely on him, not the other way around. He was a strong player, capable of soloing all but the worst enemies in Aincrad thus far. Being reduced to tears in front of others felt disgusting. Like there was something inside of him that was sickening an needed to get out of him somehow, and the only exit was his tear ducts. He put a stopper on it and sat up straight, and with a flick of his elbow, he cast out into the waters again.

He did not break the silence. Only the splash of his next catch did that, though again, it was not an actual fish like before, but a frilly little mesh bag filled with eggs and fake Easter grass.

"...this event is ridiculous."

Edited April 4, 2020 by Shield

[Beat 0]

Spoiler

Fishing Roll:  ID#139476: CD 5 LD 18+6 = 24

Results: 1 mats and 8 eggs

Totals:

Mats: 13

Eggs: 58

Beat shook his head as he watched Shield fight back the emotions that he obviously held inside tightly. Beat wasn't sure why someone would bottle emotions up the way Shield did. Normally, when Beat tried to hold emotions back, they simply ate at him until they exploded, so he did his best to avoid it all together. He stooped down and pick up his fishing rod, which was now trying to go for a swim and gave it a quick pull. He retrieved another basket of materials and eggs, nodding in response to Shield's words as he threw his line back out. He was tempted to bring the conversation back to the topic of the tragic player killer, but something else tug at his mind as the next train of thought went straight to his lips.

"You know you don't have to bottle that [censored] in right?" Said, almost without thinking, "You and I rely on each other, it isn't one way and not the other." He paused for a moment to let that sink in before continuing, talking to the back of Shield's head, "You don't have to give me the sob story if you don't want to, but it would be cool to know the real you a little bit. We've been doing this for how many years and I don't know your real name? I get not telling strangers, but you and I have history beyond SAO."   

Edited April 14, 2020 by Beat

[Shield 0]

Spoiler

ID# 139477 results: Craft: 8 [3 Materials found] Loot: 7+8=15 [Multipurpose house bonus used] 15+1=16 [8 Eggs found]

Total Loot:

Eggs: 28
Materials: 16
Col: 1,800
Rare Consumables: [139436a] [139436b]

Shield waved Beat's words away as though though someone had exhaled cigarette smoke in his face. He was not trying to be rude, but he was already overwhelmed. He needed to be done with this topic, at least for now. His eyes stayed forward, and he tossed out his line. Hopefully, Beat would not take his gesture and his silence personally, but this was already more than he had bargained for today.

I've already told you more about myself in ten minutes than I have most of the time we've known each other... not today...

His dark eyes were dry now, and he held his jaw tight as he cast out into the waters once again, aiming a little further than his last cast. He held his silence this time, masquerading behind the typical dad guise of 'talking scares off the fish,' or at least that was what his focus hopefully projected. He knew it was baseless. The fish in SAO had always come, regardless of talking and outbursts, but in this moment, silence is what he needed.

Edited April 4, 2020 by Shield

[Beat 0]

Spoiler

Fishing roll: ID#139478: CD 12 LD 7+6 = 13

Result: 4 mats and 6 Eggs

Totals: 

Mats: 17 

Eggs: 64

Beat sighed as Shield's resilience held as steadfast as his defenses. It was painfully obvious to Beat that Shield had talked about himself all he was going to and pressuring him further was something Beat wasn't interested in and something that could harm the relationship they had. He shrugged as he landed another decent catch, stowed the items and threw his line back out. 

Well, I got to see the big guy cry, I'll call that a win. 

Beat decided that silence wasn't going to work forever and they had a topic that was in need of conclusion and warranted further discussion. he spoke more casually now, attempting to ease the mood back to something more neutral, "So, Mari. That story is almost comic book tragedy. I hope you and Baldur know what you're doing. If you say she's not a cold blooded killer, then I'll believe you, but I want to meet her myself."

Edited April 22, 2020 by Beat

[Shield 0]

Spoiler

ID# 139479 results: Craft: 1 [Fffffffff]

Total Loot:

Eggs: 28
Materials: 16
Col: 1,800
Rare Consumables: [139436a] [139436b]

"You'll get to," Shield said, taking a breath and letting it out. "She's rejoining the front lines, and has encouraged me to do the same. I don't know for sure if a boss raid is going to happen for me, but I will at least attend the meeting. Trust me... when you meet her, 'cold-blooded' is not going to be the first thought you have." He realized that his hook wasn't snagging any fish where it was and reeled it back in, standing and stepping over a few feet and casting further over to that side.

"Beat, we live in a video game," he said, giving his comrade a sidelong glance. "It's an ant farm full of living people who are scrambling to get out, while a little kid with a magnifying glass watches us from somewhere up above. Sob stories are a dime a dozen. I mean, just look at you. You were ripped away from a promising career of professional gaming to be tortured by an orange guild in some godforsaken fortress somewhere. Everyone here has lost someone, either in the game or in the real world. I get that usually the fantastical is a red flag, but..."  he gestured around them. "Look at us. We're in an underground cavern, that's actually sandwiched between two floors that are both somehow above ground, fishing for gummy fish so they'll give us Easter eggs. Fantastical is daily life."

Edited April 4, 2020 by Shield

[Beat 0]

Spoiler

Fishing Roll: ID# 139480: CD 7 LD 8 + 6 = 14

Result: 4 mats and 6 eggs

Totals: 

Mats: 19

Eggs: 70

 

Beat's line grew taught and he once again reeled in another basket of fake grass and eggs as he furrowed his brow slightly, "This game is designed fantasy and the fact that someone designed this fantasy to trap us here in a death game doesn't make me think that someone couldn't make up a story to justify killing players. Just the opposite... " His voice trailed off as he reset his line and threw it back into the water as his mind ventured back to the events Shield had mentioned about the torture he had endured. Among other things, those events were why Beat was so adamant about hunting down player killers and making sure they could never hurt anyone again. 

Never again...anywhere...

His gaze shifted back to Shield as he came out of his memories like walking out of a thick fog, "So, Is she on the front lines? For that matter, are WE prepared to go back yet?"

 

 

Edited April 14, 2020 by Beat